Why Used Cars Top the UK’s Complaint Lists — and How to Protect Yourself
- Jonathan May
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 15
Buying a used car should feel like a smart, cost-effective choice. But the numbers tell a different story: for thousands of drivers, it ends in frustration. According to Consumerline, Citizens Advice, and The Motor Ombudsman, used cars are once again the number one source of consumer complaints in the UK.
The figures underline the scale of the problem:
40% of new disputes handled by The Motor Ombudsman in 2024 involved used cars.
43,000 complaints logged by Citizens Advice across the UK.
1,600+ complaints to Consumerline in Northern Ireland in 2023 — 72% about faults.
What’s Going Wrong?
Most complaints fall into three categories:
Mechanical failures — engines and gearboxes breaking down soon after purchase.
Misleading adverts — undisclosed accident damage, false mileage, or missing service history.
Poor after-sales service — dealers refusing repairs, delaying action, or denying responsibility.
Why It Happens
Cars often aren’t fully inspected or serviced before being sold.
Some sellers fail to disclose known issues or provide complete paperwork.
Buyers sometimes skip essential checks such as MOT history, finance records, or a proper test drive.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Before You Buy: The Used Car Checklist
🔍 Inspect & Test Drive — check everything from handling to warning lights.
📜 Check the History — MOT records, outstanding finance, and accident history.
🏷️ Buy from Trusted Sources — stick with reputable dealers who follow consumer law.
✍️ Get It in Writing — mileage, condition, and repair agreements should all be documented.
Bottom Line
Used cars can still be excellent value — but the complaint figures prove how risky the market can be. A little caution upfront could save you from expensive surprises, months of stress, and a call to Trading Standards.
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